West Coast Carriers provides power only trucking and trailer relocation across all 48 states and Canada. We have operated since 2007. Our network includes over 5,000 contracted carriers. All drivers assigned to port moves hold valid TWIC credentials.

Power Only Trucking and Trailer Relocation Across All 48 States

Power only trucking means the carrier provides the tractor and driver. The shipper supplies the trailer. This service works well for companies that own or lease their own trailers. Furthermore, it is ideal for port pickups, rail yard moves, and distribution center transfers. West Coast Carriers has delivered power only trucking services since 2007. Our vetted carrier network spans the entire continental United States and Canada.

Trailer relocation moves empty trailers between locations. For example, a shipper may need to reposition an empty dry van from one yard to another. Similarly, fleet operators use trailer relocation to rebalance equipment across multiple facilities. West Coast Carriers provides the tractor and driver for both loaded and empty moves.

TWIC-Credentialed Drivers for Port Power Only Trucking

A TWIC card is required for unescorted access to US marine terminals. Specifically, it is a biometric ID issued by the TSA after a federal background check. Without a valid TWIC card, a driver cannot enter the gate alone. Therefore, West Coast Carriers verifies TWIC credentials before every port dispatch. Learn more at the official TSA TWIC page. We service 14 major ports including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle, Tacoma, Oakland, Portland, Houston, Savannah, Charleston, Baltimore, New York, and Miami.

Demurrage is a daily fee charged when a trailer is not picked up within the terminal’s free time. Most marine terminals allow 4 to 7 days of free time. After that, rates typically range from $150 to $450 per day. Rail intermodal facilities charge $75 to $200 per day after 48 to 72 hours. Additionally, port fees, X-ray inspections, and customs exams are the shipper’s responsibility. These charges are not included in our power only trucking rates.

Trailer Types We Move

West Coast Carriers moves most commercial trailer types. These include dry vans, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, step decks, Conestoga trailers, double drops, RGNs, ISO containers on chassis, tankers, hoppers, and frac tanks. However, we do not move mobile homes or hazardous materials. Drivers hold all required endorsements for specialty trailer types.

Over-dimensional power only moves require extra planning. First, we secure state permits for every state on the route. Next, we arrange pilot cars and route surveys. In some jurisdictions, police escorts are also required. Additionally, OD loads often travel only during daylight hours. For this reason, shippers should contact us 3 to 5 business days before an oversized move.

Cross-Border Power Only Trucking into Canada

West Coast Carriers provides cross-border power only trucking into Canada. For these moves, we file CBP Form 7512 with US Customs. We also submit an ACE filing and a CBSA eManifest. The eManifest must be filed at least 30 minutes before border arrival. Furthermore, shippers must provide the commercial invoice and packing list. We regularly service British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

West Coast Carriers is based in Tacoma, Washington. Our team brings over 50 years of combined freight experience. We respond to all power only quote requests within the hour. Call us at (253) 212-9950 or request a quote online at westcoastcarriers.net.

What Is Power Only & Trailer Relocation?

Power only trucking is a specialized service where West Coast Carriers provides only the tractor — the cab and driver — while you supply the loaded trailer. This is common for shippers who own or lease their trailers and need a licensed, TWIC-credentialed driver to move freight between facilities, ports, rail yards, distribution centers, or military bases, across all 48 states and Canada.

Trailer relocation is the same service applied to empty trailers. If you need to reposition an empty dry van, reefer, or flatbed from one yard to another — whether across town or across the country, we provide the driver and tractor to move it. No freight inside, same professional handling.

West Coast Carriers has handled power only and trailer relocation moves since 2007. Our network includes over 5,000 contracted carriers with vetted drivers who hold valid TWIC cards, CDL-A licenses, and the documentation required for port, intermodal, and cross-border operations. We do not move mobile homes or hazardous materials under this service.

Power Only vs. Trailer Relocation

Same service, different cargo status. Here is how the two move types differ.

Power Only

Trailer status	Loaded
Trailer owner	Shipper or receiver
WCCT provides	Tractor + driver
Common use	Port pickup, DC transfer
Bill of lading	Required

Trailer Relocation

Trailer status	Empty
Trailer owner	Shipper or carrier
WCCT provides	Tractor + driver
Common use	Yard rebalancing, fleet repositioning
Bill of lading	Required

Trailer Types We Move

Our drivers are qualified to hook to and move most commercial trailer types across all 48 states and Canada.

Dry Van & Reefer

Standard 48- and 53-foot enclosed trailers, including refrigerated units. The most common power only request for distribution centers and port pickups.

Flatbed, Step Deck & Conestoga

Open deck trailers for oversized or tall freight that cannot be enclosed. Conestoga trailers include a rolling tarp system for weather protection.

Double Drop & RGN

Specialized low-profile trailers for tall machinery, construction equipment, and industrial loads that exceed standard height clearances.

ISO Containers on Chassis

20- and 40-foot intermodal containers mounted on chassis for drayage and port moves. TWIC card required for all marine terminal access.

Tankers, Hoppers & Frac Tanks

Specialty trailers for liquid, bulk, or industrial material moves. Driver must hold appropriate endorsements. Non-hazmat loads only.

Mobile, Medical & Event Trailers

Customized trailers for mobile command centers, medical units, and trade show or event setups. Note: Mobile homes are excluded from this service.

Port Operations, Terminal Scheduling & Demurrage

West Coast Carriers handles port and terminal pickups at 14+ major marine facilities. Every port move requires advance appointment scheduling, proper documentation, and a TWIC-credentialed driver. Port fees, X-ray inspections, and customs exams are the shipper's responsibility — not WCCT's.

Port / Terminal	Location	Free Time	Demurrage Rate
Port of Los Angeles	San Pedro, CA	4–5 days	$150–$450/day after free time
Port of Long Beach	Long Beach, CA	4–5 days	$150–$450/day after free time
Port of Seattle	Seattle, WA	4–7 days	$150–$300/day after free time
Port of Tacoma	Tacoma, WA	4–7 days	$150–$300/day after free time
Port of Portland	Portland, OR	4–5 days	$150–$300/day after free time
Port of Oakland	Oakland, CA	4–5 days	$150–$450/day after free time
Port of Houston	Houston, TX	4–5 days	$150–$400/day after free time
Port of Savannah	Savannah, GA	4–5 days	$150–$400/day after free time
Port of New York/New Jersey	Newark, NJ	4–5 days	$150–$450/day after free time
Port of Charleston	Charleston, SC	4–5 days	$150–$350/day after free time
Port of Baltimore	Baltimore, MD	4–5 days	$150–$350/day after free time
Port of Miami	Miami, FL	4–5 days	$150–$350/day after free time
BNSF Intermodal — Seattle	Seattle, WA	48–72 hrs	$75–$200/day after free time
UP Intermodal — Tacoma	Tacoma, WA	48–72 hrs	$75–$200/day after free time

Demurrage rates shown are typical market ranges. Actual rates are set by the terminal and may vary. Shipper is responsible for all port fees, customs exams, X-ray inspections, and chassis splits.

How a Power Only Move Works

Six steps from quote request to proof of delivery.

1

Quote Request

Submit your trailer number, pickup location, destination, and any port appointment details. We respond within the hour.

2

Trailer Verification

We confirm trailer type, condition requirements, fifth wheel compatibility, and any special handling or permit needs before dispatching.

3

Driver & Permits

We assign a TWIC-credentialed CDL-A driver. For over-dimensional moves, we secure state permits, pilot cars, and route surveys in advance.

4

Port Pickup or Yard Hook

Driver arrives at the scheduled appointment time. TWIC access is presented at the gate. Driver performs a pre-trip inspection and hooks to the trailer.

5

Transit

Your load moves under our broker authority with full cargo liability coverage. You receive status updates by phone, email, or text throughout transit.

6

Delivery & POD

Driver delivers to the destination facility and obtains a signed proof of delivery. POD is available upon request for your records.

Over Dimensional Power Only

Loads that exceed standard legal size or weight limits require additional planning. West Coast Carriers manages the full permit and escort process for over-dimensional power only moves.

State Permits

A separate oversize/overweight permit is required for each state the load passes through. We handle permit procurement for all states on the route.

Pilot Cars

Many OD moves require one or more pilot vehicles to lead or follow the load. Requirements vary by state, load width, and height.

Route Surveys

Oversized loads require pre-trip route surveys to identify low bridges, weight-restricted roads, and tight turns before departure.

Police Escorts

Certain jurisdictions require law enforcement escorts for very wide or heavy loads. We coordinate with local authorities in advance.

Travel Hour Restrictions

OD loads are often restricted to daylight hours or specific travel windows. This affects scheduling and must be accounted for in transit time estimates.

Axle Weight Management

Heavy haul moves must comply with federal bridge formula limits. We verify axle spacing and weight distribution before dispatch to avoid weigh station violations.

OD moves typically require 3–5 business days of lead time for permitting. Contact us early for time-sensitive oversized moves.

Coverage — Ports & Service Area

West Coast Carriers provides power only and trailer relocation services at major ports and inland facilities across all 48 contiguous states and into Canada.

Port Locations

• Los Angeles & Long Beach, CA
• Oakland, CA
• Seattle & Tacoma, WA
• Portland, OR
• Houston, TX
• Savannah, GA
• Charleston, SC
• Baltimore, MD
• New York / New Jersey
• Miami, FL
• BNSF & Union Pacific Intermodal Ramps

Inland Service Regions

• Pacific Northwest — WA, OR, ID
• California — Los Angeles, Central Valley, Bay Area
• Southwest — AZ, NV, NM
• Mountain — CO, UT, WY, MT
• Midwest — IL, OH, MI, MN, WI
• South — TX, GA, FL, TN, AL
• Northeast — NY, NJ, PA, MA
• Canada — BC, AB, ON (CBP Form 7512, ACE filing & CBSA eManifest)